Association between perinatal growth restriction and subsequent body build in very-low-birth-weight infants.

The present study assessed the influence of perinatal growth restriction on subsequent body build until nine years old in very-low-birth-weight infants (VLBWIs). Growth restriction was defined as being born small for gestational age (SGA) or extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR) if born at term. Two hundred and eighty-three VLBWIs were divided into four groups according to their history of SGA or EUGR. Variations in z-scores of body height (zHT) and obesity index (OI), as well as the prevalence of short stature, underweight, and overweight were evaluated from six to nine years old. As a result, zHT increased significantly, but OI did not change. In contrast, the prevalence of underweight and overweight significantly increased, but short stature did not change. A comparison of the four groups demonstrated that EUGR may be associated with short stature and underweight regardless of SGA status. SGA, but not EUGR, may be a risk factor for being overweight. The prevalence of abnormal body builds without SGA or EUGR seemed to be similar with standard prevalence of Japanese children. In conclusion, perinatal growth restriction, especially EUGR had a significant influence on subsequent body build until nine years old.